Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe insisted that he was “confident” Alexander Isak would remain on Tyneside this summer, although he did reveal the telling impact of Liverpool’s very public pursuit of his striker.

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitiké (23) for a fee in the region of €95m.

The striker enjoyed a blistering first full season in Germany after moving to Frankfurt from Paris Saint-Germain – netting 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last term.